Autumn trails: 10 walks to enjoy to the full
Go hiking in the Puy-de-Dôme this autumn and let yourself be seduced by the flamboyant colours of the Auvergne. Between volcanoes, forests and valleys, the trails turn ochre and gold to create breathtaking landscapes.
Take advantage of the mild weather to breathe, explore and experience unique moments in nature on these 10 not-to-be-missed walks in the Puy-de-Dôme.
1. The Puy Saint-Romain forest
Leaving Mirefleurs, explore the Puy Saint-Romain, a popular spot for paragliders. From its summit, accessible on foot, you can admire a panoramic view of the Allier valley and the Auvergne volcanoes.
2. The Chaudefour valley
Explore one of the glacial valleys of the Sancy massif, classified as a nature reserve in 1991. An unspoilt place where the landscape, flora, fauna and geology are revealed in all their splendour.
3. The Puy de Montrodeix
Leaving from Orcines, this trail along the edge of the Dômes plateau reveals a rich heritage: fountains, wash-houses, crosses, a Romanesque church, caves, menhirs and basalt organs. A beautiful 14km walk in the heart of history and nature.
4. The Resistance
Take a walk in the heart of the Bois du Mas, a major site of the French Resistance, marked by the history of the Nestor Perret maquis. This woodland trail is a peaceful blend of nature and memory, punctuated by beautiful views of the Chaîne des Puys and the Combrailles.
5. The Enval gorges
A lovely walk under oak and chestnut trees, offering superb views of Enval, Riom and the Limagne region. The path leads to the waterfall of the Ambène stream, with the Madeleine and Forez mountains in the background.
6. The Pradier cross
A trail full of discoveries aroundAuzelles and the Pradier cross. With the fortified church of Saint-Blaise, ancient frescoes, the landscapes of the Miodet valley and the astonishing Chabanettes mines, this walk combines heritage and unspoilt nature.
7. La ronde des fruits
An autumn walk around Domaize on the Ronde des Fruits trail.
Enjoy orchards, picturesque hamlets and superb panoramic views of the Forez mountains, the Sancy and the Puys range in autumn colours.
8. The Roches Charles chapel
A hike around the Roches-Charles chapel between mountain pastures and pilgrimage paths. The route offers fine views over the valley of the Roches-Charles and Sault streams, as well as the Chaîne des Puys, the Sancy and the Cézalier mountains.
9. The Pic de Brionnet
A 9 km hike to the Pic de Brionnet. From the summit, enjoy a panoramic view of the Couzes, the surrounding mountains and the village of Brionnet, with its Romanesque chapel perched on basalt columns and an orientation table where you can admire the 360° panorama.
10. Puy de Montenard
The Puy de Monténard is a 5km hike offering spectacular views of the volcanoes, the Pessade plateau and the Monne valley.
From the summit, you can take full advantage of the panoramic views and natural beauty of the Auvergne landscape.
